Effect of Pre-sowing Moist-chilling Treatments on Seedbed Emergence of Sitka Spruce Seed Infected by Geniculodendron pyriforme, Salt

Burial of seed in moist sand for several weeks during winter(pit stratification), and early sowing have been common practicesin forest nurseries for breaking dormancy of conifer seed. However,in the experiments reported here the emergence of Sitka sprucewas greatly reduced when seeds naturallly infected by Geniculodendronpyriforme, were moist-chilled for 6 weeks in a stratificationpit or in moist sand in a refrigerator at about 4° C. Reductionin emergence was less when seed was refrigerated without sand(naked), and negligible when the seed was treated with Thiramor Captan before chilling. Sowing 6 weeks early produced erraticresults, often giving fewer but larger seedlings. Moist-chillingof seed did not increase total emergence but normally made it1–2 weeks earlier so that the seedlings were larger byautumn. Addition of extra water to the seedbeds did not increaseemergence or growth, even in a dry season.     

The State‐by‐State Economic Impacts of the 2002 Shutdown of the Los Angeles–Long Beach Ports

In previous research, the economic impacts of temporary shutdowns of the Los Angeles–Long Beach harbors were simulated after a hypothetical terrorist attack, applying the National Interstate Economic Model to estimate state‐by‐state as well as interindustry impacts. However, the unpredictable characteristic of terrorist attacks might not be applicable to the case of a ports shutdown such as the one caused by the lockout of September–October 2002. Market participants can be expected to have contingency plans based on anticipations of a strike or shutdown. Can we identify any of these in terms of the use of alternate ports, in terms of alternate modes or even alternate time periods? The purpose of this study is to examine these questions. The approach is elaborated by testing for the possible effects of trade diversion to other West Coast ports, transportation modes, and intertemporal substitutions. We use data from WISERTrade describing commodity‐specific trade for the major West Coast ports before, during, and after the 11‐day shutdown of the fall of 2002. Shippers’ ability to divert trade is a key ingredient in the economy's ability to withstand attacks and disruptions. The work estimates the impacts on 47 industrial sectors across 50 states (and the District of Columbia).     

Effects of She Xiang Bao Xin Wan (SXBXW) on the proliferation of primary cultured human umbilical artery vascular smooth muscle cells induced by endothelin-1

AIM: To observe the effects of She Xiang Bao Xin Wan (SXBXW) of Chinese patent medicine on the proliferation of primary cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from human umbilical artery and stimulated by endothelin-1 (ET-1) in vitro. METHODS: The proliferation cell models of primary cultured VSMCs were established by ET-1 stimulation. Six groups in the experiment were divided into control group; ET-1 group; ET-1+SXBXW 0.25 g/L; ET-1+SXBXW 0.5 g/L; ET-1+SXBXW 1.0 g/L and ET-1+SXBXW 2.0 g/L groups, respectively. The proliferation induced by ET-1 and the suppression mediated by SXBXW on VSMCs were measured by MTT method. The inhibitory rate and the cytotoxicity of SXBXW were detected by lactate dehydrogenase colorimetry and trypan blue exclusion tests. The effect of ET-1 and SXBXW on the cell proliferation cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Compared to control group, ET-1 significantly enhanced the proliferation of VSMCs (P<0.01). However, a certain dose of SXBXW inhibited effectively the proliferation of VSMCs induced by ET-1 in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.01). Meanwhile, SXBXW showed no influenced on both the number of living cells and the release of lactate dehydrogenase, although it inhibited the proliferation of VSMCs, indicating that SXBXW was no cytotoxicitic effect on VSMCs. ET-1 enhanced the proliferation of VSMCs by means of promoting the transition of the cell cycle from G1 phase to S phase. However SXBXW significantly inhibited the proliferation mediated by ET-1. CONCLUSION: SXBXW plays the role in suppressing VSMCs proliferation induced by ET-1. The mechanism may be involved in blocking the cell cycle from G1 phase into S phase.     

Comparison of Short‐ and Long‐term Function and Radiographic Osteoarthrosis in Dogs After Postoperative Physical Rehabilitation and Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy or Lateral Fabellar Suture Stabilization

Objectives— To compare short‐ and long‐term functional and radiographic outcome of cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) injury in dogs treated with postoperative physical rehabilitation and either tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) or lateral fabellar suture stabilization (LFS). Study Design— Prospective observational clinical study. Animals— Medium to large breed dogs with naturally occurring CrCL injury (n=65). Methods— Dogs with CrCL injury were treated with either TPLO or LFS and with identical physical rehabilitation regimes postoperatively. Limb peak vertical force (PVF) was measured preoperatively and at 3, 5, and 7 weeks, and 6 months and 24 months postoperatively. Stifles were radiographically assessed for osteoarthrosis (OA) preoperatively and 24 months postoperatively. Results— Thirty‐five dogs had LFS and 30 dogs had TPLO. Radiographic OA scores were significantly increased at 24 months compared with preoperative scores in all dogs. Radiographic OA scores preoperatively and at 24 months were not significantly different between treatment groups. PVF was significantly increased from preoperative to 24 months among both treatment groups but not significantly different between treatment groups preoperatively or at 3, 5, 7 weeks, 6, or 24 months. Conclusion— No significant difference in outcome as determined by ground reaction forces or radiographic OA scores were found between dogs with CrCL injury treated with LFS or TPLO. Clinical Relevance— LFS and TPLO remain good options for stabilizing stifles with CrCL injury with all dogs showing significant functional improvement. This study does not support the superiority of either surgical technique.     

Diet in the Treatment of Impaired Kidney Function ("Nephritis") in Dogs

Abstract— The rationale of dietary treatment of uraemia, arising from impaired kidney function is discussed. A diet containing a strictly limited quantity of very high quality protein is advocated.